Cationic ink formulations

ABSTRACT

A printing method includes jetting a curable ink including at least one of an oxetane compound, a siloxane compound, or a sulfide compound onto a substrate.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority under 35 USC § 119(e) to U.S. PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/707,898, filed on Aug. 12, 2005, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to inks.

BACKGROUND

During inkjet printing, ink is ejected, generally at elevatedtemperature, from a component of an inkjet printer (e.g., from one ormore nozzles of a print head) onto a substrate. In some instances, theejecting is followed by a curing step. One method of curing involvesexposing to ultraviolet (UV) radiation an ink that contains reactivereagents that polymerize upon exposure to UV radiation. Typically, theink is exposed to UV radiation within milliseconds of printing on thesubstrate. The rapid exposure to UV radiation controls dot gain and isknown as pinning.

Examples of inkjet printing are described in U.S. Ser. No. 11/058,777,filed Feb. 16, 2005, published as US 20050195265, and U.S. provisionalapplication No. 60/549,645, filed Mar. 3, 2004, both of which areincorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

SUMMARY

The invention relates to inks.

One aspect of the invention relates to an ink including at least oneoxetane compound. The oxetane compound has one or more (e.g., multiple)oxetane groups.

In some embodiments, a method includes jetting ink onto a substrate toprovide a mark. The ink includes an oxetane compound and aphotoinitiating system. The ink may include a colorant. The ink may becured by exposing the mark to light (e.g., visible light, ultravioletradiation having a wavelength of less than about 400 nanometers, or acombination thereof).

In some embodiments, the oxetane compound has a viscosity of at leastabout 25 centipoises at a temperature of 25° C.

In some embodiments, the oxetane compound has a flash point (open cup)of more than 115° C.

In some embodiments, the oxetane compound has a boiling point of greaterthan about 110° C. at a pressure of 5 mm Hg.

In some embodiments, the oxetane compound has a molecular weight of morethan about 130 grams per mole.

In some embodiments, the oxetane compound includes at least one of3,3′-oxybis(methylene)bis(3-ethyloxetane),1,4-bis(((3-ethyloxetan-3-yl)methoxy)methyl)benzene, or3-ethyl-3-[(2-ethylhexyloxy)methyl]oxetane.

The ink may further include an epoxide compound (e.g., at least one of asiloxane epoxide compound, a cylcoaliphatic epoxide compound, or aglycidyl ether epoxide compound).

In some embodiments, the ink includes at least about 20% by weight ofoxetane compound and at least about 20% by weight of the epoxidecompound.

The ink may include at least one of an alcohol, a polyol, or an ester.

In some embodiments, the ink further comprises a sulfur compound (e.g.,a sulfide compound). The ink may include at least about 0.1% by weightof the sulfide compound. The amount of sulfide compound may be about 2%or less by weight of the ink.

The sulfide compound may be a diphenyl sulfide compound, a di-alkylsulfide compound, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the ink jetted onto the substrate to provide themark has an ASTM 3363 pencil hardness test value of at least about 4 Hon a glass substrate.

The substrate may be, for example, a glass substrate or a printedcircuit board.

The photoinitiating system may include an initiator and a sensitizer(e.g., a polycyclic aromatic compound).

In some embodiments, the method includes waiting for at least twoseconds after the jetting the ink before initiating the curing of theink.

In some embodiments, the step of jetting the ink includes jetting theink onto each of multiple substrates to provide a mark on each of thesubstrates and the step of curing the ink includes curing the ink oneach of the substrates by exposing the marks to light after jetting theink onto the multiple substrates.

In some embodiments, the invention relates to a composition including acationic reagent, an oxetane compound different from the cationicreagent and having multiple oxetane rings, a photoinitiating system, anda colorant. The composition has a viscosity of about 50 centipoises orless (e.g., about 35 centipoise or less).

In some embodiments, the composition is present in an inkjet printernozzle.

In some embodiments, the invention relates to an inkjet printercartridge including a reservoir including a composition that includes anoxetane compound having multiple oxetane rings, a photoinitiatingsystem, and a colorant. The ink composition may further include acationic reagent different from the oxetane compound.

In some embodiments, the invention relates to a method that includesjetting ink onto a substrate to provide a mark. The ink includes anoxetane compound having a viscosity of least about 25 centipoises at 25°C., a photoinitiating system, and a colorant. The ink is cured byexposing the mark to light.

In some embodiments, the invention relates to a method that includesjetting ink onto a substrate to provide a mark, the ink includes anoxetane compound having an open cup flash point of more than 115° C., aphotoinitiating system, and a colorant. The ink is cured by exposing themark to light.

In some embodiments, the invention relates to a method that includesjetting ink onto a substrate to provide a mark. The ink includes anoxetane compound having a boiling point of more than about 90° C. at apressure of 1 atmosphere, a photoinitiating system, and a colorant. Theink is cured by exposing the mark to light.

In some embodiments, the invention relates to a method that includesjetting ink onto a substrate to provide a mark. The ink includes anoxetane compound having a molecular weight of more than about 130 gramsper mole, a photoinitiating system, and a colorant. The ink is cured byexposing the mark to light.

Another aspect of the invention relates to an ink including at least onesiloxane compound.

In some embodiments, a method includes jetting ink onto a substrate toprovide a mark. The ink includes a cationic reagent having at least onesiloxane group and a photoinitiating system. The ink may include acolorant. The ink may be cured by exposure to light (e.g., visiblelight, ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength of less than about 400nanometers, or a combination thereof).

The cationic reagent may be a siloxane epoxide.

The ink may further include an oxetane compound (e.g., an oxetanecompound with multiple oxetane rings). The oxetane compound may include,for example, at least one of 3,3′-oxybis(methylene)bis(3-ethyloxetane),1,4-bis(((3-ethyloxetan-3-yl)methoxy)methyl)benzene, or3-ethyl-3-[(2-ethylhexyloxy)methyl]oxetane.

In some embodiments, the oxetane compound has a viscosity of at leastabout 25 centipoises at a temperature of 25° C.

In some embodiments, the oxetane compound has a flash point (open cup)of more than 115° C.

In some embodiments, the oxetane compound has a boiling point of greaterthan about 110° C. at a pressure of 5 mm Hg.

In some embodiments, the oxetane compound has a molecular weight of morethan about 130 grams per mole.

In some embodiments, the ink includes at least about 20% by weight ofthe oxetane compound and at least about 20% by weight of the siloxaneepoxide compound.

The ink may further include at least one of a cylcoaliphatic epoxidecompound or a glycidyl ether epoxide compound.

The siloxane compound may include multiple siloxane groups.

The siloxane compound may include, as defined below, PC 1000, PC2003, aderivative of PC1100, a derivative of PC2003, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the ink further comprises a sulfur compound (e.g.,a sulfide compound). The ink may include at least about 0.1% by weightof the sulfide compound. The amount of sulfide compound may be about 2%or less by weight of the ink.

The sulfide compound may be a diphenyl sulfide compound, a di-alkylsulfide compound, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the ink jetted onto the substrate to provide themark has an ASTM 3363 pencil hardness test value of at least about 4 Hon a glass substrate.

The substrate may be, for example, a glass substrate or a printedcircuit board.

The photoinitiating system may include an initiator and a sensitizer(e.g., a polycyclic aromatic compound).

In some embodiments, the method includes waiting for at least twoseconds after the jetting the ink before initiating the curing of theink.

In some embodiments, the step of jetting the ink includes jetting theink onto each of multiple substrates to provide a mark on each of thesubstrates and the step of curing the ink includes curing the ink oneach of the substrates by exposing the marks to light after jetting theink onto the multiple substrates.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a composition that includes afirst cationic reagent, a second cationic reagent having at least onesiloxane group and a photoinitiating system. The second cationic reagentis different from the first cationic reagent. The composition mayinclude a colorant. The composition has a viscosity of about 50centipoises or less (e.g., about 35 centipoises or less).

The composition may be present in an inkjet printer nozzle.

The second cationic reagent may be a siloxane epoxide.

Another aspect of the invention relates to an inkjet printer cartridgethat includes a reservoir including a composition that includes acationic reagent having at least one siloxane group, a photoinitiatingsystem, and a colorant.

The cationic reagent may be a siloxane epoxide.

The cationic reagent may be a first cationic reagent and the inkcomposition may further include a second cationic reagent different fromthe first cationic reagent.

Another aspect of the invention relates to an ink including at least oneinhibitor. The inhibitor may be a sulfide compound.

In some embodiments, a method includes jetting an ink that includes asulfide compound onto a substrate. The ink may also include at least oneof a cationic reagent, a photoinitiating system, a sulfide compound, anda colorant. The ink may be cured by exposing the mark to light (e.g.,visible light, ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength of less thanabout 400 nanometers, or a combination thereof).

The sulfide compound may include at least one of a diphenyl sulfidecompound or a di-alkyl sulfide compound.

The cationic reagent may include an epoxide compound (e.g., an epoxidecompound that has multiple expoxy rings).

The substrate may be, for example, a glass substrate or a printedcircuit board.

The cationic reagent may include at least one of a siloxane epoxidecompound, a cylcoaliphatic epoxide compound, or a glycidyl ether epoxidecompound.

The ink can include at least about 20% by weight of oxetane compound andat least about 20% by weight of the epoxide compound.

In some embodiments of the invention, a composition includes a cationicreagent, a photoinitiating system, a sulfide compound, and a colorant.The composition may have a viscosity of about 50 centipoises or less(e.g., about 35 centipoises or less).

In some embodiments, the composition is present in an inkjet printernozzle.

In some embodiments, the viscosity of the composition determined attemperature of about 68° C. increases by about 10% or less (e.g., about7.5% or less, about 5% or less) after storage of the ink at 70° in thedark for at least 7 days (e.g., 14 days, 21 days, or 30 days).

In some embodiments, the invention relates to an inkjet printercartridge that includes a reservoir that includes a composition thatincludes a cationic reagent, a photoinitiating system, a sulfidecompound, and a colorant.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of printing an inkdescribed herein.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a substrate (e.g., a glasssubstrate or a printed circuit board) having one or marks formed of anink described herein.

Another aspect of the invention relates to an ink reservoir (e.g., anink cartridge for an inkjet printer) including an ink described herein.

Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will beapparent from the description and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a printing assembly of an inkjet printer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An ink includes one or more cationic reagents (e.g., at least oneoxetane compound, at least one siloxane compound, or combinationthereof) and, typically, a photoinitiating system. The ink can be jettedonto a substrate using an inkjet printer (e.g., from one or more nozzlesof a print head of an inkjet printer) to provide a mark. The ink of themark is cured by exposing the mark to light (e.g., visible light,ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength of less than about 400nanometers, or a combination thereof). A component of thephotoinitiating system (e.g., a photoinitiator) absorbs the light andinitiates polymerization of the one or more cationic reagents of theink. The polymerization typically cures the mark.

The cationic reagents contribute to desirable properties of the inkprior to curing (e.g., viscosity, vapor pressure, or boiling point)while providing a cured mark with desired properties (e.g., hardness,flexibility). For example, a cationic reagent (or a combination ofcationic reagents) may have a viscosity at printing temperature thatpermits the ink to be jetted but a vapor pressure sufficiently low toreduce (e.g., prevent) evaporation of the reagent during storage andhandling. The cured mark may have a hardness that resists damage (e.g.,upon impact or abrasion) yet is flexible enough to resist cracking.

An ink may include an inhibitor that reduces (e.g., prevents)polymerization of the ink in the absence of light. The inhibitor cancontribute to storage and handling properties of the ink by reducing(e.g., preventing) a tendency of the viscosity of the ink to increasebefore being jetted and cured by light exposure.

The ink may also include at least one other component such as a colorantor a Theological modifying additive.

Inks and related systems and methods are discussed below.

Cationic Reagents

A cationic reagent typically includes at least one cyclic ether group(e.g., one or more epoxide groups (e.g., a three-member cyclic ether),one or more oxetane groups (e.g., a four member cyclic ether), or acombination of such groups). Polymerization of the cationic reagenttypically includes a ring-opening reaction of the cyclic ether group(s)of the reagent (e.g., cationic ring opening polymerization). Thepolymerization can be initiated by, for example, an initiating species(e.g., a cation) formed by a photoinitiator upon absorption of light bythe photoinitiator.

The cationic reagent can be a monomer or an oligomer (e.g., a compoundhaving multiple repeat units, at least some of which (e.g., most or all)typically have at least one cyclic ether group).

In some embodiments, the cationic reagent is an oxetane compound havingat least one oxetane group (e.g., at least two oxetane groups or more).An ink may include a combination of such oxetane compounds.

The oxetane compound may have chemical and/or physical properties asdesired.

In some embodiments, a viscosity of the oxetane compound is at leastabout 25 centipoises (e.g., at least about 30 centipoises, at leastabout 50 centipoises, at least about 75 centipoises) at a temperature of25° C. Unless specified otherwise, all viscosities referred to hereinare measured using a Brookfield DV-II viscometer, a SC418 spindle, aBrookfield Thermosel for temperature control, generally operated at a60, 30, or 12 RPM spindle speed, which is dependent on the viscosity ofthe sample being tested.

In some embodiments, a flash point of the oxetane compound is at leastabout 115° C. (e.g., at least about 125° C., at least about 140°, atleast about 180° C.). Flash points described herein are open cup flashpoints determined according to appropriate ASTM protocol.

In some embodiments, a boiling point of the oxetane compound is at leastabout 110° C. (e.g., at least about 115° C., at least about 117.5° C.,at least about 120° C.) at apressure of 5 mm Hg.

In some embodiments, a molecular weight of the oxetane compound is atleast about 130 grams per mole (e.g., at least about 140 grams per mole,at least about 150 grams per mole). The molecular weight of the oxetanecompound is typically about 500 grams per mole or less (e.g., about 300grams per mole or less).

In some embodiments, the oxetane compound includes a carbon chain (e.g.,a linear or branched carbon chain) having a length of at least 5 carbonatoms (e.g., at least 6 carbon atoms).

The oxetane compound may include at least two oxetane groups connectedby, for example, a linear ether group of the oxetane compound.

In some embodiments, the oxetane compound includes at least one aromaticgroup (e.g., at least one phenyl group or derivative thereof).

Examples of oxetane compounds include3,3′-oxybis(methylene)bis(3-ethyloxetane),1,4-bis(((3-ethyloxetan-3-yl)methoxy)methyl)benzene, and3-ethyl-3-[(2-ethylhexyloxy)methyl]oxetane.

In some embodiments, the cationic reagent is a siloxane compound thatincludes at least one siloxane group (e.g., at least two siloxanegroups, at least three siloxane groups, or more). For example, thecationic reagent may be a siloxane epoxide (e.g., a siloxane compoundincluding at least one siloxane group and at least one epoxide group).An ink may include a combination of cationic reagents each having atleast one siloxane group.

The siloxane compound may have chemical and/or physical properties asdesired.

In some embodiments, the cationic reagent includes one or more siloxanegroups to the exclusion of linear ether groups. Such reagents are freeof linear ether groups.

Examples of siloxane compounds that include at least one epoxide groupinclude disiloxane compounds (e.g., (bis-1,3-[2-(3{7-oxa-bicyclo[4,1,0]heptyl} )ethyl]-1,1,3,3-tetramethyl disiloxane)(PC1000) and epoxide oligomers having a number n epoxide groups where nis at least 2 (e.g., at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, atleast 7). An exemplary oligomer (PC2003) has the structure:

where n is between 2 and 10. In some embodiments, the cationic reagentmay be free of silicon and include at least one epoxide group (e.g., atleast two epoxide groups or more). An ink can include a combination ofsuch cationic reagents having at least one epoxide group.

Exemplary siloxane compounds can be obtained from POLYSET company,Mechanicville, N.Y.

The cationic reagent including the at least one epoxide group compoundmay have chemical and/or physical properties as desired.

In some embodiments, the cationic reagent including the at least oneepoxide group has a molecular weight of at least about 125 grams permole (e.g., at least about 135 grams per mole). In some embodiments, themolecular weight of the cationic reagent is about 500 grams per mole orless (e.g., about 450 grams per mole or less).

The cationic reagent including the at least one epoxide group typicallyhas a viscosity of at least about 1.1 centipoises at a temperature of25° C. The cationic reagent generally has a viscosity of about 20,000centipoises or less at a temperature of 25° C.

Examples of cationic reagents including at least one epoxide groupinclude cycloaliphatic epoxy compounds such asbis-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)adipate,3,4-epoxycyclohexyl-methyl-3,4-epoxycyclohexane carboxylate, and7-Oxa-bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane-3-carboxylic acid7-oxa-bicyclo[4.1.0]hept-3-ylmethyl ester; ether derivatives includingdiol derivatives such as 1,4-butanediol diglycidylether and neopentylglycol diglycidylether; and glycidyl ethers such as n-butyl glycidylether, distilled butyl glycidyl ether, 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether,C8-C10 aliphatic glycidyl ether, C12-C14 aliphatic glycidyl ether,O-cresyl glycidyl ether, P-tertiary butyl phenyl glycidyl ether, nonylphenyl glycidyl ether, phenyl glycidyl ether, cyclohexanedimethanoldiglycidyl ether, polypropylene glycol diglycidyl ether, poly glycoldiglycidyl ether, dibromo neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether,trimethylopropane triglycidyl ether, castor oil triglycidyl ether,propoxylated glycerin triglycidyl ether, sorbitol polyglycidyl ether,glycidyl ester of neodecanoic acid, and glycidyl amines such asepoxidized meta-xylenediamine.

In some embodiments, the ink includes at least two (e.g., at least threeor more) cationic reagents. For example, the ink can include at leastone oxetane compound in combination with one or more other cationicreagents (e.g., in combination with at least one other oxetane compound,at least one cationic reagent having at least one siloxane group (e.g.,a siloxane epoxide), at least one cationic reagent having at least oneepoxide group, or a combination thereof). Similarly, the ink can includeat least one cationic reagent having at least one siloxane group (e.g.,a siloxane epoxide) in combination with one or more other cationicreagents.

The chemical and/or physical properties of the at least two cationicreagents of the ink may be as desired.

In some embodiments, the at least two cationic reagents of the ink havedifferent viscosities. Typically, one of the cationic reagents has alower viscosity than the other. For example, one of the cationicreagents may have a viscosity at 25° C. of about 50 centipoises or less(e.g., about 35 centipoises or less, about 19 centipoises or less) whilethe other cationic reagent has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 19centipoises or more (e.g., about 35 centipoises or more, about 50centipoises or more, about 100 centipoises or more). Examples ofcationic reagents used as a lower viscosity cationic reagent include1,4-butanediol diglycidylether, neopentyl glycol diglycidylether, andn-Butyl glycidyl ether available as Erisys GE-5 from CVC SpecialtyChemicals.

In some embodiments, the cationic reagents have different molecularweights. Typically, one of the cationic reagents has a lower molecularweight than the other. For example, one of the cationic reagents mayhave a molecular weight of about 350 grams per mole or less (e.g., about300 grams per mole or less, about 250 grams per mole or less) while theother cationic reagent has a molecular weight of at least about 400grams per mole (e.g., at least about 750 grams per mole, at least about1500 grams per mole, at least about 5000 grams per mole, at least about10000 grams per mole).

A concentration of the cationic reagent(s) in the ink can be as desired.Typically, the concentration is selected to provide the ink with desiredproperties (e.g., viscosity, hardness, flexibility, and cure speed). Insome embodiments, an ink may include a total amount of cationic reagentsof at least about 40% by weight (e.g., at least about 60%, at leastabout 80%, at least about 90%) of cationic reagent(s). The total amountof cationic reagent(s) of the ink may be about 98% or less by weight(e.g., about 95% or less).

In embodiments where the ink includes a combination of cationicreagents, the ink typically includes at least two (e.g., at least three)cationic reagents each having a concentration of at least about 5% byweight of the ink (e.g., at least about 10%, at least about 15%, atleast about 20%). For example, an ink may include (a) one or moreoxetane compounds having a total concentration of at least about 5% byweight of the ink (e.g., at least about 10%, at least about 15%, atleast about 20%) and (b) one or more other cationic reagents includingat least one epoxide group (optionally free of silicon) and having atotal concentration of at least about 5% by weight of the ink (e.g., atleast about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%). As anotherexample, an ink may include (a) one or more siloxane compounds (e.g.,siloxane epoxides) having a total concentration of at least about 5% byweight of the ink (e.g., at least about 10%, at least about 15%, atleast about 20%) and (b) one or more other cationic reagents free ofsilicon, including at least one epoxide group, and having a totalconcentration of at least about 5% by weight of the ink (e.g., at leastabout 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%).

Photoinitiating Systems

A photoinitiating system includes at least one photoinitiator capable ofabsorbing light (e.g., ultraviolet light) to provide an initiatingspecies capable of initiating polymerization of a cationic reagent orcombination of such reagents. For example, a photoinitiator may generatea strong acid upon absorbing light. The strong acid is an initiatingspecies that initiates a ring opening reaction of a cyclic ether of acationic reagent, which can then react (e.g., polymerize) with thecyclic ether of another cationic reagent.

Examples of photoinitiators include arylsulfonium salts (e.g., UVI 6992and UVI 6974) such as mixed triarylsulfonoum hexafluoroantimonate orhexafluorophosphate, iodonium salts (e.g., Deuteron UV 2275 availablefrom Deuteron GmbH, Achim Germany; Rhodorsil 2076 available from Rhodia,Lyon, France; UV9385C available from General Electric, Waterford, N.Y.;Bis(t-butylphenyl)iodonium hexafluorophosphate) available from HampfordResearch, Inc. of Stratford, Conn.; and Irgacure 250 available from CibaSpecialty Chemicals Corp. of Basel, Switzerland), ferrocenium salts, anddiazonium salts.

In some embodiments, the photoinitiating system includes a sensitizer incombination with the photoinitiator. The sensitizer absorbs light (e.g.,ultraviolet light and/or visible light) and transfers energy to thephotoinitiator, which provides an initiating species (e.g., a strongacid) capable of initiating polymerization of a cationic reagent orcombination of such reagents. For a given light flux, the sensitizer canenhance the rate of photoinitiation. Alternatively or in combination,the sensitizer can provide a photoinitiator with the ability to initiatepolymerization of cationic reagents upon exposure to longer wavelengthlight than in the absence of the sensitizer.

Sensitizers can be useful in, for example, inks including particles(e.g., pigment particles such as rutile titania used to color the inkand/or provide opacity) which can decrease the penetration depth ofultraviolet light absorbed by the photoinitiator. Light having a longerwavelength than ultraviolet (e.g., visible light) can penetrate moredeeply through ink including the colorant particles to provide moreuniform curing of the ink. Sensitizers typically absorb the longerwavelength light more efficiently than the photoinitiator itself therebyenhancing curing of the ink.

The concentration of photoinitiator and the optional sensitizer of anink can be selected as desired. In some embodiments, the ink includesphotoinitiator in the amount of at least about 0.5% by weight (e.g., atleast about 1%). The total amount of photoinitiator of the ink may beabout 3% or less by weight (e.g., about 2% or less). In someembodiments, the ink includes sensitizer in the amount of at least about0.01% by weight (e.g., at least about 0.05%). The total amount ofsensitizer of the ink may be about 0.5% or less by weight (e.g., about0.1% or less).

Exemplary sensitizers include at least one aromatic group and includecompounds such as 9,10-diethoxy anthracene, 2-ethyl-9,10-dimethoxyanthracene, isopropylthioxanthone, or perylene.

Inhibitors

As discussed above, photoinitiator present in an ink can provide aninitiating species (e.g., a strong acid) that polymerizes cationicreagent. In some cases, the photoinitiator may provide such a specieseven in the absence of light (e.g., thermally). This “dark” generationof initiating species may partially polymerize the ink increasing itsviscosity over time (e.g., during storage of the ink over days, weeks,or months at ambient temperature).

An inhibitor reduces (e.g., prevents) polymerization that results frominitiating species generated in the dark yet allows polymerization tooccur when the ink is exposed to light. Thus, the inhibitor mayneutralize initiating species produced in the dark to reduce (e.g.,prevent) polymerization from these initiating species. However, thelarger number of initiating species produced when the ink is exposed tolight during curing allows polymerization to proceed.

Typically, the viscosity increase of an ink with inhibitor is less thanthe viscosity increase of the same ink but without inhibitor afterstorage of the inks in the dark for a period of time. In someembodiments, the viscosity of the ink with inhibitor as determined at atemperature of about 68° C. increases by about 10% or less (e.g., about7.5% or less, about 5% or less) after storage of the ink at 70° in thedark for at least 7 days (e.g., 14 days, 21 days or 30 days).

In some embodiments, the inhibitor is a sulfide compound including asulfur atom having 3 substituents R1, R2, and R3. The inhibitortypically reacts with an oxonium ion to form a sulfonium ion that has areduced tendency to propagate the polymerization reaction.

Independently, R1, R2, and R3 may be selected to provide the inhibitorwith a desired level of inhibition.

In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., two or three) of R1, R2, and R3include an alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl,octyl, nonyl, decyl, or other). The alkyl groups may be different. Thealkyl groups may be branched or linear. The alkyl groups may include atleast one heteroatom (e.g., halogen, or oxygen). The alkyl groups mayinclude at least one double bond.

In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., two or three) of R1, R2, and R3include an aromatic group (e.g., benzyl or phenyl). The aromatic groupsmay be different. The aromatic group may be substituted with, forexample, one or more functional groups, one or more heteroatoms, one ormore alkyl groups, or combination thereof. Each substituent may be aphenyl group.

In some embodiments, at least one of R1, R2, and R3 is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, R1 and R2 are aromatic and R3 is alkyl.

In some embodiments, the inhibitor is dodecyl sulfide or diphenylsulfide.

In general, as the number of groups R1, R2, and R3 that are alkyl ascompared to aromatic (e.g., phenyl) increases, the inhibitory capabilityof the compound increases.

In some embodiments, the inhibitor includes a ring substituted with oneor more sulfur atoms (e.g., a cycloaliphatic sulfur group). For example,the inhibitor may be a thiane (e.g., 1,4-dithiane).

In some embodiments, the concentration of inhibitor is at least about0.1% by weight (e.g., at least about 0.3%, at least about 0.75%, atleast about 1.5%) of the ink. The concentration of inhibitor istypically about 2% or less by weight (e.g., about 1% or less, about0.75% or less, about 0.5% or less) of the ink.

In some embodiments, a ratio of a weight of photoinitiator of the ink toa weight of inhibitor is about 30 or less (e.g., about 20 or less, about15 or less, about 10 or less, about 7 or less). The ratio of the weightof photoinitiator to the weight of inhibitor is typically at least about1 (e.g., at least about 2, at least about 4).

A combination of different inhibitors may be used. In such case, theinhibitor weights and the inhibitor ratios with respect tophotoinitiator refer to total weights.

Colorants

An ink can include one or more colorants (e.g., one or more pigments,one or more dyes, or a combination thereof). Colorants can provide anink with, for example, a desired color and/or opacity. Exemplary colorsinclude black, cyan, magenta, yellow, red, blue, green, brown, orcombinations thereof

The total amount of colorant may be selected as desired. Typically, theink includes a total amount of colorant of at least about 0.5% by weight(e.g., at least about 3%). The total amount of colorant may be about 30%or less by weight of the ink (e.g., about 20% by weight or less, about10% by weight or less, about 5% or less).

In some embodiments, the colorant is in the form of particles (e.g.,pigment particles). In such embodiments, the particles are generallysufficiently small to permit free flow of the ink through an inkjetprinting device. The particle sizes are generally selected to providegood dispersion stability.

Examples of suitable pigments particles include pigment blacks 7, carbonblack, graphite; and pigment white titanium dioxide. Additional examplesare disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,133, which is incorporatedby reference herein. The pigment may also have a modifying group on itssurface, such as an oxygen-containing functionality (e.g., a carboxyl orphenol group).

White inks can be made using a titania dispersion. The titaniadispersion may include, for example, a blend of titania particles havinga surface area of between about 8 and about 14 meters squared per gram.The primary particles size of the titania may be between about 190 and410 nanometers. The titania particles are preferably dispersed into aconcentrate using a combination of monomer and dispersant as thedispersing aid, which can result, for example, in about 60% to about 70%by weight titania. However, other concentrations can also be suitable,for example, a titania concentration of about 50% by weight.

Examples of dyes include Orasol Pink 5BLG, Black RLI, Blue 2GLN, Red G,Yellow 2GLN, Blue GN, Blue BLN, Black CN, and Brown CR (all availablefrom Ciba-Geigy, Inc., Mississauga, Ontario); Morfast Blue 100, Red 101,Red 104, Yellow 102, Black 101, and Black 108 (all available from MortonChemical Company, Ajax, Ontario); and a mixture thereof Additionalexamples include those disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,133,which is incorporated by reference herein.

Rheological Modifying Additives

Examples of Theological modifying additives include additives that canparticipate during the UV polymerization of the cationic reagents (e.g.,monomers). Using a hydroxy functional Theological modifier can reducethe amount of unpolymerized cationic reagent in the ink, potentiallyimproving the final film properties.

In some embodiments, the Theological modifier is an ester (e.g., astraight chain even numbered monoesters having a carbon chain length of,for example, from C-28 to C-34). In some embodiments, the majority ofthe rheological modifiers have a chain length of about C-32 and themodifier has a melting point of about 48° C. Examples of such compoundsinclude KESTER WAX (e.g., Ester Wax: K-48 and K-56, KOSTER KEUNEN,INC.). Kester Wax K-48 (synthetic Spermaceti/Cetyl Esters NF) is cetylpalmitate and straight chain even numbered monoesters having a carbonchain length from C-28 to C-34 with the greastest concentration at C-32(mp˜48° C.). K-56 is cetearyl stearate (stearyl stearate) and mp˜54-56°C. (also available from KOSTER).

Examples of rheological modifying additives include hydrogenated catoroil, beeswax, and other additives that include hydroxy containingmoieties such as monoalcohols, diols, and glyceryls. Examples ofmonoalcohols include stearyl alcohol (available from Aldrich Chemical,Milwaukee, Wis.) and Unilin 350 (available from Petrolite of Sugar Land,Texas). Examples of diols include 1, 12-stearyldiol (available asSpeziol 18/2 from Cognis Corp. USA Cincinnati, Ohio), 1,10-decanediol(available as Speziol 10/2 from Cognis Corp. USA Cincinnati, Ohio), ordi-trimethylolpropane. Examples of glyceryls include tallow glycerides.

The amount of rheological modifier can be selected as desired. In someembodiments, the ink includes at total amount of Theological modifier ofat least about 1% by weight (e.g., at least about 3%, at least about20%). The total amount of rheological modifier of the ink may be about30% or less by weight (e.g., about 15% or less, e.g., about 7% or less).

Other examples Theological modifying additives include compounds such aserucyl stearamide and ethylene glycol distearate.

Other Ink Components

The pigmented jettable ink can also include a polymeric dispersant. Thepolymeric dispersant can assist in stabilizing the pigment in thejettable ink. The dispersant can, for example, prevent agglomeration ofthe pigment. The ink can include between about 1% and 10% by weightdispersant (e.g., between about 3% and 8% by weight dispersant).

Examples of dispersants include Solsperse 13,650, 13,940, 17,000,24,000, 32,000, 36,000; Byk 108; Tego Dispers 700; UNIQEMA 5543; andEFKA 5244, 5207, 6750; which are all commercially available from Avecia;Byk Chemie; Tego Chemie; Zephryn Uniquema; and EFKA additives,respectively.

The amount of dispersant required is generally based on the amount ofpigment in the ink (e.g., the surface area of pigment particles in gramsper meter squared). The dispersant used typically depends on inkcomposition including, for example, properties of the cationic reagentand/or pigment. The selected dispersant can be soluble in the vehicle,can lack volatility at an elevated temperature (e.g., 120° C.), and canhave good affinity for the pigment. The dispersant can also include asynergist that aids dispersion.

In addition to or in place of a dispersant, a surfactant compound can beused. The surfactant compound can serve to alter the surface tension ofthe ink, and can be an anionic, cationic, nonionic or amphotericsurfactant compound, such as those described in McCutcheon's FunctionalMaterials, North American Edition, Manufacturing Confectioner PublishingCo., Glen Rock, N.J., pp. 110-129 (1990). Examples of surfactantsinclude copolymers such as SILWET® copolymers including Silwet L-7604,available from Crompton, OSi Specialties division. The copolymers aregenerally comprised of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and/or silicone.Other examples of surfactants include 3M FC430 available from 3M of St.Paul, Minn. and F50-100 available from DuPont Chemicals of Wilmington,Del.

Ink properties

Inks described herein typically have chemical and physical propertiesthat allow the inks to be jetted onto a substrate by an inkjet printer(e.g., by one or more nozzles of a print head of an inkjet printer).

In some embodiments, a viscosity of the ink is about 50 centipoise orless (e.g., about 45 centipoise or less, about 35 centipoise or less,about 20 centipoises or less, about 15 centipoises or less) at printingtemperature. The viscosity of the ink may be at least about 1 centipoise(e.g., at least about 5 centipoise, at least about 7 centipoise, atleast about 9 centipoises) at printing temperature. During a typicalthermal inkjet printing process, the ink is heated to a printingtemperature of at least about 50° C. (e.g., at least about 60° C., atleast about 65° C., at least about 72° C.). Typically, the printingtemperature of the ink does not exceed about 90° C. (e.g., about 85° C.,about 80°, about 75° C.). For example, in some embodiments, the printingtemperature is between about 65° C. to about 72° C. (e.g., about 68°C.). At jetting temperature, optimal jetting viscosity is generallybased on the print head being used and is typically specified by theprint head manufacturer.

In some embodiments, the ink (e.g., a cured mark formed from the ink)has an modified ASTM 3363 pencil hardness test, with using of A400sandpaper from 3M 413Q Wetordry, value of at least 2 H (e.g., at least 3H, at least 4 H). For purposes of this application, the test should beconducted using a VWR precleaned frosted glass slide Cat. number48312-013, produced by VWR International, Inc. of West Chester, Pa., oran equivalent micro glass slide. The model 3363 Pencil Scratch HardnessTester (from Paul N. Gardner Company, Inc, Pompano Beach, Fla.) includesa pencil lead holder carried on two rollers, the weight of which is soarranged that the pressure exerted by the flat pencil lead isapproximately 300 grams. A test board is placed on a firm horizontalsurface and a pencil is then held firmly against a solder mask at a 45degree angle. Pencils grading from 4B (soft) to 9 H (hard) can be usedto grade the hardness of the cured mark.

In some embodiments, the ink (e.g., a cured mark formed of the ink)passed the acetone wipe test for chemical resistance. In general, curedsamples are double rubbed with a cotton swab wetted with acetone. Thesample is rubbed across the surface with soaked cotton tipped applicatorat least 20 times (or 30, 50 times). Passing is defined as having nosample come off the substrate. Failing is defined as sample being easilyremoved from the substrate.

In some embodiments, the ink can pass at least some (e.g., all) of theaforementioned tests (e.g., modified ASTM 3363 pencil hardness, acetonerub) when cured at a speed of about 2 fpm or more (e.g., about 5 fpm ormore, about 10 fpm or more, about 25 fpm or more, about 35 fpm or more)using a Fusion 300 UV Inc. F300 irradiation with a 300 Watt UV source(e.g., a D lamp and a half aluminum reflector) after jetting onto asubstrate (e.g., a non-porous substrate such as a glass or a metal).

Preparing Inks

To prepare an ink, one can combine all of the composition ingredients,heat the resulting combination, and if necessary, mill.

In some instances, the ink is prepared by blending all components exceptfor the rheology modifier and pigment. Each clear sample and rheologymodifier is heated (e.g., to about 80° C.). The rheology modifier isthen added to the other components of the mixture as a liquid to checkfor solubility, if no solubility issues are seen then the pigment added,typically as a concentrate.

A pigment concentrate can be prepared by combining a pigment with anamount of at least some (e.g., all) components of an ink to be preparedto provide a concentrate having a higher concentration of pigment thanthe final ink. The pigment concentrate can improve pigment grinding andreduced process time.

In the pigment concentrate, the number density of pigment particles isincreased, which allows for more particle-particle and particle-grindingmedia collisions, which in turn decreases the amount of time needed toreach a desired particle size. Additionally, in the concentrate theparticles have higher odds of coming in contact withdispersant/surfactant molecules if present. These materials preferablyadsorb onto the surface of the particles so that the reduced sizeparticles do not agglomerate. By increasing the odds ofparticle-dispersant collisions, the grind time can be reduced and theparticle size stability can be increased.

For example, to prepare a carbon black pigment concentrate, the amountof dispersant to be used is calculated (the calculation can be based onthe desired pigment particle size, the calculated pigment surface area(supplied by the pigment manufacturer), or both). A fluid vehicle anddispersant are charged into an appropriate vessel. The vehicle anddispersant are mixed until fully blended (some gentle heating may benecessary if the dispersant is a solid). The vehicle/dispersant mixtureare moved to a high shear mixer and the pigment is slowly charged. Thematerials are milled to obtain the pigment concentrate.

For a liquid ink, all liquid monomers and oligomers are mixed, andphotoinitiators are added to the mixture. If the photoinitiators aresolid, they are preferably fully dissolved in the mixture. Then, thepigment concentrate is added to obtain the liquid ink. If necessary, theink is filtered through a 1 μm filter.

For a solid ink, all monomers and oligomers are heated, mixed, andphotoinitiators are added to the liquefied mixture. If thephotoinitiators are solid, they are preferably fully dissolved in themixture. Then, the pigment concentrate is added to obtain the ink. Ifnecessary, the ink is heated and filtered.

In some embodiments, an ink is prepared by combining all componentsexcept for the photoinitiating system. The combined components areheated to facilitate mixing (e.g., to about 70 to about 80° C.) andmilled. The photoinitiating system component(s) are added to the milledcomponents and the mixture is filtered. In some cases, the milledcomponents are still warm (e.g., about 70° C.) when the photoinitiatingsystem is added.

Printing and Curing Methods

A method of printing (e.g., inkjet printing) and curing an ink imageincludes printing an ink composition on a substrate to form a mark, andcuring the mark by exposure to light (e.g., visible light, ultravioletradiation having a wavelength of less than about 400 nanometers, or acombination thereof).

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, an inkjet printer printing assembly 10 forprinting on a substrate 12 includes a print head 14 having a print headink reservoir 16, a nozzle 18, and an actuator 15 (e.g., a heat sourceor piezoelectric element). Assembly 10 also includes a primary inkreservoir 20 (e.g., a ink cartridge) connected to print head 14. In use,actuator 15 is actuated (e.g., by heating the ink and/or applyingoscillatory energy to the ink within print head reservoir 16) to ejectink (FIG. 1B) from nozzle 18 (e.g., in the form of one or more droplets22 directed at substrate 12). Ink that contacts substrate 12 forms amark 24 (FIG. 1C), which can be cured (e.g., by exposure to light).Although only one ink composition is shown, the printing assembly can beconfigured to print marks formed of each of multiple ink compositions.Also, the printing assembly can include multiple nozzles.

Exemplary substrates include fiber (e.g., wood or paper), glass,polymers, and printed circuit boards (e.g., a circuit board from VermontCircuits, Inc., part number 5454, of Brattleboro, Vt.).

For curing the mark(s), a radiation line source can be used to provideuniform light exposure over a desired area of one or more substrates.The line source may include an ultraviolet lamp (e.g., Fusion UV Inc.F300 irradiation with a D lamp and a half aluminum reflector). Otherlamps (e.g., an H lamp or V lamp) may be used. Other suitable printingand curing means may also be used, such as methods of printing describedin: Leach, R. H., Pierce, R. J., The Printing Ink Manual, Blueprint(Chapman & Hall), 5th ed., 1993. An example of a printing system isMarkem 4000 system available from Markem Corp., N.H.

In some embodiments, one or more marks are applied to a substrate. Themark(s) is then removed (e.g., by mechanical action (e.g., wiping),washing, or both). At least one additional mark is applied to thesubstrate (e.g., to a location that at least partially (e.g., mostly orcompletely) overlies a location occupied by the previous mark(s)). Theadditional mark(s) can be essentially identical in form to the previousmarks (e.g., both may have the same shape or color). The additional markmay differ from the previous marks substantially (e.g., only) in someproperties (e.g., color related properties (e.g., tone, hue, or thelike) or shape. The further marks are cured (e.g., by exposure tolight). Such an embodiment can be useful if, for example, one wishes tomodify the appearance (e.g., properties related to color or shape) of amark prior to curing the ink of the mark.

In some embodiments, a mark is exposed to light (e.g., UV radiation)only after at least about 2 seconds (e.g., at least about 5 seconds, atleast about 10 seconds, at least about 20 seconds, at least about 30seconds, at least about 1 minute, at least about 5 minutes, at leastabout 10 minutes, at least about 30 minutes, at least about 60 minutes,at least about 90 minutes, at least about 5 hours, at least about 10hours, at least about 16 hours, or at least about 24 hours.

In some embodiments, at least one mark is formed on each of multiplesubstrates (e.g., at least 2 substrates, at least 3 substrates, at least5 substrates, at least 10 substrates, at least 25 substrates, at least50 substrates). After forming the mark(s) on the multiple substrates,the substrates are cured by exposure to light.

EXAMPLES

The examples are illustrative, and not intended to be limiting.

Example 1

UV-Epoxy Inks Including Siloxane Based Monomers

Ink compositions including UV curable cationic monomers as shown inTable 1 below were prepared by blending the components of each sample ina scintillation vial and uniformly heating the vial to 80° C. Thisallowed the photoinitiator to be solvated and mixed with the othermaterials. All samples were compatible. The vials with ink compositionswere then inverted at least 20 times. A magnetic stir-bar was placed ineach vial, which was then stirred for about 10-15 minutes with mildheating. The samples were then cooled and 0.5 militers of ink drawndowns were prepared on a substrate (glass slides). The draw-downs wererun under a Fusion 300 UV-system under a D-bulb (½ elliptical aluminumreflector) at varying belt speeds in feet per minute.

All samples were tack free immediately after UV exposure and no surfacewrinkling was observed for samples cured at 5 fpm (feet per minute).Cured samples with different cure speed were tested for adhesion usingthe acetone rub and the scratch t est. Of the PC-series, sample C hasthe best film properties at 25 fpm, partially passing the acetone rub.This sample exhibited curing at up to 250 fpm.

The formulations of the inks are shown in Table 1 below: TABLE 1Cationic Epoxy Monomer Inks Having an Siloxane Based Monomers Material AB C PC1000 21% PC2003 11% 32% Uvacure 1500 32% Erisys GE-21 32% 32% 32%Erisys GE-30 32% 32% 32% UVI 6992  6%  6%  6%

A viscosity of each sample was determined using the BrookfieldProgrammable Rheometer at 68° C. at 60 rpm using the #18 spindle. Thesamples were placed into an aluminum rheometer vial and placed into theRheometer. The sample was allowed to equilibrate at 68 oC for 15 minutesbefore the data points were collected. The viscosity of all samples wasbetween 10˜16 cps at 68° C., except sample C (˜19 cps), which was goodjettable viscosity by ink jet printer.

Example 2

UV-Epoxy Inks Including Oxetane Monomers

Ink compositions comprising at least one of each of two differentoxetane based monomers (3,3′-oxybis(methylene)bis(3-ethyloxetane) (DOX)and 1,4-bis(((3-ethyloxetan-3-yl)methoxy)methyl)benzene (XDO)) wereprepared. The compositions were prepared as in Example 1, with heatingto 70° C. to facilitate mixing. All samples were compatible. Thecompositions are shown in Table 2. TABLE 2 Epoxy Inks Including OxetaneBased Monomer Material 2A 2B UVACURE 1500 55.50 55.00 UVI 6992 5 59,10-Diethoxy anthracene 0.5 0.5 Dodecyl sulfide 0.3 0.3 Kester K-56 1.51.5 TiO2 10 10 DOX 27.20 17.70 XDO 0 10* values are weight percent

Draw-downs (0.5 milliliter each) of the ink samples on a glass slidewere exposed under the Fusion 300 UV-system under the D-bulb (½elliptical aluminum reflector) at 5 fpm. All samples were tack freeimmediately after UV exposure and no surface wrinkling was observed. Thesamples passed the acetone rub and scratch test at 5 fpm exposure rates.

Viscosities were determined using the Brookfield Programmable Rheometeras per Example 1. The viscosity of composition 2A was 12.2 cps at 68° C.and the viscosity of composition 2B was 15.4 cps at 68° C.

To evaluate jetting performance, compositions 2A and 2B was loaded intoa Nova 300 dpi printhead (Spectra Corporation, Hanover, New Hampshire)and jetted at 68° C. Several marks of both compositions (2A and 2B) wereprepared, cured under the D-bulb at 5 fpm with and without post cureheating (5 minute at 110° C. in oven). The cured marks were tested forperformance using the ASTM 3363 pencil hardness test. The test value ona glass substrate of all samples was 5 H or over.

Example 3

UV-Epoxy Inks Including Sulfide Initiator

Ink compositions including different concentration of dodecyl sulfidewere prepared by blending the components of each sample as described inExample 1. Compositions are shown in Table 3. All samples werecompatible. TABLE 3 Epoxy Inks Including Sulfide Inhibitor Material 3A3B 3C 3D UVACURE 1500 38.00 38.00 38.00 38.00 DOX 44.50 44.50 44.5044.50 TiO₂ 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 UVI 6992 5 5 5 5 9,10-Diethoxyanthracene 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Kester K-48 2 2 2 2 Dodecyl sulfide 0 0.3 0.51* values are weight percent

An amount of each sample (about 50 grams) was stored in a (8 ounce blackpolypropylene jar) in the dark at a temperature of 70° C. Aliquots ofthe ink compositions were collected 3, 7, and 14 days. The viscosity ofthe ink of each aliquot was determined using the Brookfield ProgrammableRheometer using a #18 spindle. The starting viscosity of each ink was9.3 cps at 68° C. The viscosities of the inks (68° C.) are shown inTable 4 below. TABLE 4 Viscosities of Inks With Sulfide InhibitorsSulfide inhibitor Day 3 (cps) Day 7 (cps) Day 14 (cps) 3A   0% 10.630.49 Solid gel form 3B 0.3% 9.15 10.4 16 3C 0.5% 9.35 10.05 11.75 3D1.0% 9.8 10.0 10.2

After 7 days, the viscosities of compositions 3B, 3C and 3D wereessentially unchanged, while composition 3A was significantly moreviscous. After 14 days, composition 3B exhibited as slight viscosityincrease (about 5 cps), but the viscosities of compositions 3C and 3Dhad increased by about 2 cps or less. This experiment was repeated withthe same results.

All publications, patents, applications, and references cited herein arehereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. Forexample, other cationic monomers beside epoxy monomers can be used inthe inks. Examples include vinyl ethers or a combination of vinyl ethersand epoxy monomers.

1. A method, comprising: jetting ink onto a substrate to provide a mark,the ink comprising an oxetane compound having multiple oxetane groups, aphotoinitiating system, and a colorant; and curing the ink by exposingthe mark to light.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the oxetanecompound has a viscosity of at least about 25 centipoises at atemperature of 25° C.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the oxetanecompound has a flash point of more than 115° C.
 4. The method of claim1, wherein the oxetane compound has a boiling point of greater thanabout 110° C. at a pressure of 5 mm Hg.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the oxetane compound has a molecular weight of more than about130 grams per mole.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the oxetanecompound comprises at least one of3,3′-oxybis(methylene)bis(3-ethyloxetane),1,4-bis(((3-ethyloxetan-3-yl)methoxy)methyl)benzene, or3-ethyl-3-[(2-ethylhexyloxy)methyl]oxetane.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein the ink further comprises an epoxide compound.
 8. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the epoxide compound comprises at least one of asiloxane epoxide compound, a cylcoaliphatic epoxide compound, or aglycidyl ether epoxide compound.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein theink comprises at least about 20% by weight of oxetane compound and atleast about 20% by weight of the epoxide compound.
 10. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the ink further comprises an alcohol or a polyol. 11.The method of claim 1, wherein the ink further comprises a sulfurcompound.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the sulfur compound is asulfide compound and the amount of the sulfide compound in the ink is atleast about 0.1% by weight and is about 2% or less by weight of the ink.13. The method of claim 11, wherein the sulfur compound comprises adiphenyl sulfide compound or a di-alkyl sulfide compound.
 14. The methodof claim 1, wherein the ink has an ASTM 3363 pencil hardness test valueof at least about 4 H on a glass substrate.
 15. The method of claim 1,wherein the substrate comprises glass or a printed circuit board. 16.The method of claim 1, wherein the photoinitiating system comprises aninitiator and a sensitizer.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein thesensitizer comprises a polycyclic aromatic compound.
 18. The method ofclaim 1, comprising waiting for at least two seconds after the jettingthe ink before initiating the curing of the ink.
 19. The method of claim1, wherein the step of jetting the ink comprises jetting the ink ontoeach of multiple substrates to provide a mark on each of the substratesand the step of curing the ink comprises curing the ink on each of thesubstrates by exposing the marks to light after jetting the ink onto themultiple substrates.
 20. A composition, comprising: a cationic reagent;an oxetane compound different from the cationic reagent and havingmultiple oxetane rings; a photoinitiating system; and a colorant,wherein the composition has a viscosity of about 50 centipoises or less.21. The composition of claim 20, wherein the viscosity is about 35centipoise or less.
 22. An inkjet printer nozzle comprising thecomposition of claim
 20. 23. An inkjet printer cartridge, comprising: areservoir comprising a composition comprising: an oxetane compoundhaving multiple oxetane rings; a photoinitiating system; and a colorant.24. The inkjet printer cartridge of claim 23, wherein the inkcomposition further comprises a cationic reagent different from theoxetane compound.
 25. A method, comprising: jetting ink onto a substrateto provide a mark, the ink comprising an oxetane compound having aviscosity of least about 25 centipoises at 25° C., a photoinitiatingsystem, and a colorant; and curing the ink by exposing the mark tolight.
 26. A method, comprising: jetting ink onto a substrate to providea mark, the ink comprising an oxetane compound having an open cup flashpoint of more than 115° C., a photoinitiating system, and a colorant;and curing the ink by exposing the mark to light.
 27. A methodcomprising: jetting ink onto a substrate to provide a mark, the inkcomprising an oxetane compound having a boiling point of more than about90° C. at a pressure of 1 atmosphere, a photoinitiating system, and acolorant; and curing the ink by exposing the mark to light.
 28. A methodcomprising: jetting ink onto a substrate to provide a mark, the inkcomprising an oxetane compound having a molecular weight of more thanabout 130 grams per mole, a photoinitiating system, and a colorant; andcuring the ink by exposing the mark to light.